As all UK building contractors, architects, and engineers know, the UK government is cracking down on CO2 emissions and the impact that all buildings can have on the environment. With a government plan to cut carbon emissions significantly by 2016 and the UK legally having to cut emissions by 80% by 2050, the pressure to seek eco-friendly building methods, adapt existing builds, and cut your business’s environmental impact is greater than ever.

Whether you own the building you operate from, or you are simply a tenant, you, as the occupier, have a duty to encourage or create change towards a more eco-friendly working environment.

Start at the Very Beginning

Statistics show that buildings produce 37% of the UK’s CO2 emissions and that non domestic buildings contribute to 40% of these emissions. The total amount of CO2 emissions from UK buildings annually equals that of Greece and Chile combined, highlighting the need for the UK to address and cut their impact on the environment.

Businesses who are committing to reducing their impact on the environment, should initially consider the best way to do so. The Carbon Trust recommend adapting and modifying your current premises rather than constructing a new premises. This will not only lower the cost of your eco-friendly efforts, but will also help prevent less eco-friendly properties from becoming derelict in the future.

Prior to starting any efforts to improving the sustainability and reduction of CO2, businesses should complete building assessments for air permeability and to find areas that can be altered to reduce emissions. During the day to day running, businesses should look at whether they can improve their workplace habits. Recycling and encouraging good energy practices, such as turning off lights and shutting down computers at the end of the day will help reduce a business’s emissions.

Consider Materials Carefully

The changes needing to be made will vary from business to business and will depend on the age and quality of the existing structure. Older buildings, or those made ‘cheaply’ are likely to require more extensive modification in order to become eco-friendly. Regardless of the amount of improvements that need to be done, businesses and contractors in charge of development should look carefully at the materials they choose to use. By researching materials that are available, a cost effective, environmentally friendly solution can be found.

Using Metrotile to cut emissions

The roof of a property is often the main way for heat to escape, which leads to an increase in CO2 emissions. This is why every business looking to improve their premises should include surveying the quality of their roofing. Missing roof tiles, poor quality roofing materials, and lack of insulation are factors that contribute to a loss of energy.

Metrotile’s lightweight tiles provide an environmentally friendly option for businesses modifying their premises for a number of reasons. Our tiles are thinner than traditional ones, meaning that they cost less to transport, are 100% recyclable and come with a 40 year weatherproof guarantee. The thin but sturdy tiles will give a roof increased space that can be used to install insulation.

Metrotile also have a range of photovoltaic tiles that help create renewable energy that you can view here. These tiles can replace part of your existing roof, and can help reduce your existing energy bill and your business’s carbon footprint.

If you’re currently in the planning process of making your business more eco-friendly and would like more information about Metrotile’s products, then why not get in touch? Call us on +44 (0)1249 658514 or fill out the form on our contact us page.